Relative DNA content of somatic nuclei and chromosomal studies in three genera, Tilapia, Sarotherodon, and Oreochromis of the tribe Tilapiini (Pisces, Cichlidae)

Abstract

Seven Tilapiine species from three genera Tilapia, Sarotherodon, and Oreochromis were cytogenetically studied for chromosome number, chromosome morphology, and DNA content. The chromosome number 2n =44 was the same in all seven species. Arm number (NF) differences indicate the possible role of pericentric invasions in the karyotypic evolution of these species. C-banding of metaphase chromosomes shows that heterochromatin is localised around the centromere in all species of Oreochromis and Sarotherodon but T. zillii has more heterochromatin with six chromosomes having completely C-positive short arms. DNA values vary between 0.84 pq for O. macrochir and 1.21 pq for O. aureus. No heteromorphic sex chromosome pair could be found in any species. These findings suggest that karyotypic evolution has occurred but does not appear to be associated with speciation in this group.